Oh Stewardess | Hotel Review: Westin Crystal City

Well, this unsolicited review is the letter I sent to the general manager after my stay at the Westin.

It may appear that I don’t get out much. To the contrary, I spent 8-years waking up in a different hotel bed every other night.

This time, the third in 8-years, I was a guest on an extended vacation.

The hotel staff and management are usually kind to the flight crew. Still, it was nice to see how the other half travels.

I wasn’t disappointed.

Without further ado, the letter.

Let me begin by stating not only did the Westin Crystal City staff welcome me; I felt like they appreciated me.

The staff gave consistent service from check-in to check-out.

My stay was wonderful. I was tempted to leave my resume for employment consideration. I thought, what an honor to work with such a hospitable organization.

But I digress.

My mother and I checked in on Monday, May 15, and departed on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Sal, which I believe is short for Salvatore, checked me in.

Although my mother was also checking in as a guest of the hotel, Sal insisted she was to be taken care of separately.

In hindsight, I realized this was a nice touch. Sal and the Guest Relations coordinator, who checked-in my mother, coordinated their actions. They made sure my mother and I occupied rooms on the same floor but not adjoining.

Again, this was a great foresight and attention to detail as both coordinators anticipated our need for privacy.

Our rooms were spacious and clean. There was a generous supply of amenities.

Starbucks Pike Roast is a great tasting coffee and my favorite blend. Since I also purchase Tazo teas, I felt right at home. Link: Shower stall RM 511
The White Tea Heavenly Spa brand soap, body, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner is an excellent choice for body care products. The bath, hand towels and, washcloths were plentiful. Although, I could have used a vanity kit and shower cap in my room 511. Link: Peek into the hotel room

My mother stayed in Room (503) and although she didn’t request a refrigerator her room had one.

Her prescription needed refrigeration. She was prepared to put it in an ice bucket to keep it cold. It wasn’t necessary thanks to the staff anticipating the guest’s needs.

Case-in-point, after check-in, unsure where to eat, we returned to the dining area, Nutrio.

The hostess seated us right away even though the dining area wasn’t yet open.

Excellent accommodation, service, and the food were excellent.
So, fried flatbread isn’t exactly a healthy bread. But it was delicious with the Spinach Artichoke cheese dip. The chef broiled my Angus burger to perfection. The grilled Asparagus was delicious. My mother enjoyed her Crabmeat burger, fries, and Arugula on the side.

Westin Crystal City Nutrio Dining

The hostess took time to discuss real estate in the area when my mother expressed her interest in the location. I’m sure that is above and beyond the service requirements but very much appreciated.

The halls were quiet even though my room was close to the elevator. Upon my awakening the next morning, I noticed a welcome letter under my door. It was an invitation to cocktails that evening. I didn’t think it was possible to be more pleased with my stay.

Then the delightful presentation of cocktails and hor’s d ‘oeuvres offering was a complement to our host “Mr. John Jordan, Associate Director of Sales.

To put this in context, we were at the hotel during the week. We saw a parade of people on their way to work. Those who didn’t appear robotic, seemed as if they hated going to work.

Mr. Jordan was the antithesis of the would-be drones. He was a joy to speak with and appeared to enjoy his position.
He was a joy to speak with and seemed to enjoy his position.

As a Marriott Rewards Gold member who just lost her Platinum status, I’ve stayed at enough Marriott properties to know the difference between SPG and Marriott properties. So, when I asked questions about the merger, Mr. Jordan was knowledgeable and assured me that most of the behind the scenes mixing of the cultures wouldn’t impact the guests.

He was right. I was able to link my SPG and Marriott accounts and receive the gold treatment.

Mr. Jordan was welcoming and accommodating.
He left a lasting impression on me as did all the staff.

I will recommend the Westin Crystal City to any and everyone who plans to visit the Washington D.C. Metro Area.

Thank you for a wonderful time.

Notes:

Broken Desk Lamp reported repaired resolved

In-room dining

Request for more Starbucks pike roast coffee. Housekeeping came immediately.

Fitness center: Elliptical and treadmill were in need of repair. Center had ample supply of water, fruit, towels and other exercise equipment.

Property is centrally located. Close to Crystal City underground mall. It’s also a few blocks from a dining district.